Fire district honors volunteers

Fire Chief Chuck Cable led the Cloverdale awards presentation. Photo by Jaki Roberson

The Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) held its 2003 Volunteer Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday evening, March 8 at the Sisters Rodeo Clubhouse.

This year's anniversary is especially significant as it commemorates CRFPD's 40th year of fire protection and emergency assistance to the community and outlying areas.

Following an hour of spirits and hors d'oeuvres, Chief Chuck Cable opened the event to honor this year's award recipients for their loyalty and tireless efforts and to memorialize the 202 fallen fighters lost nationwide in 2002.

Heads bowed for moments of silence as a recording of Amazing Grace on bagpipes played.

Cory and Joanie Stengel then proceeded with the invocation, recitation of The Fireman's Prayer, and grace.

The elegant banquet was beautifully served with assistance from Sisters High School Ski Team.

Capt. John Thomas then began an interactive presentation of Cloverdale's history. In 1963 the fire district was conceptualized by Charles Trachsel and Keith Cyrus after three houses were destroyed by fire in the Plainview area, population then 200. The blazes were contained by bucket brigades and the first Cloverdale fire fighters, Trachsel and Cyrus, were on-scene.

Five years later, 2.5 acres were purchased for $200. The district was given a budget of $1,995 and its first purchase was a 1944 Seagrave engine for $1.

Cyrus fondly recalled how he and Trachsel painted it in someone's barn.

In 1970 there were two calls, one a burning juniper stump. In 1978, the number climbed to 28.

Last year responses totaled 159, down from 2001 by 21, proving good fire prevention works.

CRFPD now covers 50 square miles, including 3,000 constituents and 1,500 homes. Two new refurbished engines with 1,100-gallon capacity are on their way from Florida.

The tax rate in 1966 was $1.08. In 2003 it is $1.09.

A stunning custom-made belt buckle created by Chief Cable was struck for the anniversary, and a plaque for the entire chain of command in the last 40 years will be displayed at the main fire station.

Receiving awards for sterling service were Rob Kurtz, 10-year President of the Board of Directors; Sue Morgan, Secretary; Lt. Rex Parks and Deanne Dement -- Training Attendance Award; Fire Fighter Jerry Greco -- Length of Service Award; Assistant Chief Dave Harris -- Officer of the Year; Lt. Rex Parks -- Instructor of the Year; Fire Fighter Rick Sneibel -- Rookie of the Year; Scott Hampton -- Fire Fighter of the Year and Fire Fighter Deanne "Dent" Dement -- the Faux Pas Award.

In perhaps the most moving of all, Keith Cyrus accepted a posthumous award certificate, 40-year service pin and plaque for Rita Trachsel in honor of her late husband, Chief Charles Trachsel.

Trachsel was memorialized at his funeral in 1998 by the first Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard.

His death prompted Chief Cable to form the Honor Guard on which he continues to serve.

On a much lighter note, Karaoke was next on the agenda. Chief Cable opened, wowing everyone with his rendition of George Strait's "The Fireman," while Training Officer John Thomas and Fire Fighter Rick Schnibel mimicked an emergency call in the background.

The firefighters expressed their appreciation to the many sponsors of the event. Over $2,000 in donations were received, thanks to the diligent efforts of Fire Fighter John Brown and Lt. Rex Parks.